1. What’s your name?
Blair Toombs
2. How long have you lived in Bellevue?
2008 - 2016
3. What is your favorite thing in or about Bellevue? The walkability of the neighborhood, along with the restaurants and businesses (Once Upon a Vine), is why we moved to Bellevue.
4. What changes would you make to Bellevue, if any?
I don’t know of any changes that can be made to make it better. The reason we moved was because of the middle school, Henderson Middle. We were happy with Holton Elementary but we were not comfortable with Henderson when we could move to a “better” school district. Holton and the Bellevue families have established a nice culture but it has yet to spread to Henderson.
5. What do you think about the public transportation in Bellevue, and do you think Bellevue would benefit from a bike sharing program or something along those lines?
The GRTC route from my house in Bellevue to work downtown was not efficient, especially since I have always had parking at work. Hopefully, a restructuring of the bus routes will have fewer stops between Bellevue and downtown. It’s a fairly bike-friendly neighborhood so I’m not sure a bike share would be necessary, as most people already have bikes. That being said, a handful of bike-shares on Bellevue or MacArthur avenues would be nice.
6. Richmond is in the process of developing a master plan, and this master plan lays out the goals for Richmond and its neighborhoods over the next 20 years… SO, with that being said how would you like Bellevue to be represented in this master plan?
The core of Bellevue is great although there are a handful of street segments that are lacking sidewalk connectivity and even more segments which lack ADA ramps. I think the area of the abandoned Azalea Mall site needs to be addressed (again), despite the fact that only a small portion of it resides in the city.
7. What are 3 most important values that you feel best represent the Bellevue community? …Example: “The Bellevue neighborhood prides itself on a strong sense of community, safety, and cleanliness.
Walkability, unique homes, and a sense of community
8. What sets Bellevue apart from other Richmond neighborhoods?
Bellevue exists as a hybrid-type of Richmond neighborhood. You can get the architecture, walkability, and restaurants (second only to the Fan) plus you are in close proximity to Bryan Park, the Interstates, and downtown.
Interviews With Bellevue Residents!
Blair Toombs
Jessica Aber
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1.What’s your name?
Jess Aber
2. How long have you lived in Bellevue?
9 years
3. What is your favorite thing in or about Bellevue?
The location (close to downtown but also close to the interstates)
4. What changes would you make to Bellevue, if any?
More participation within the neighborhood in Bellevue Civil Association events, less crime, and more civic pride.
5. What do you think about the public transportation in Bellevue, and do you think Bellevue would benefit from a bike sharing program or something along those lines?
I ride the city bus daily and I believe that Bellevue is already accessible by public transportation. I don’t believe that the residents of Bellevue would specifically benefit from a bike sharing program, as it is more of a destination and less of a pass-through neighborhood. In addition, I think that everyone in the neighborhood already has access to a personal car or bicycle or, if not, has access to the city bus.
6. Richmond is in the process of developing a master plan, and this master plan lays out the goals for Richmond and its neighborhoods over the next 20 years… SO, with that being said how would you like Bellevue to be represented in this master plan?
I think that the city should help Bellevue retain its present quaint aesthetic character, including planting more trees and repairing sidewalks.I also think that the City should continue to encourage development of vacant lots, including working with Henrico to develop the empty and overgrown Azalea Garden Mall (adjacent to Bellevue).The City should continue to incentivize thoughtful rehabilitation on Bellevue’s old houses by continuing to offer tax credits.Finally, I think that Bellevue should remain accessible by bus, but that additional modes of public transportation – bus or bicycle – should not come at the detriment of existing roads for personal cars.I am aware that Brook Road will become one lane for traffic in favor of bicycles – about which I am disappointed – but I think that no further similar changes should occur.
7. What are 3 most important values that you feel best represent the Bellevue community? …Example: “The Bellevue neighborhood prides itself on a strong sense of community, safety, and cleanliness.
Bellevue is friendly, quaint, and beautiful.
8. What sets Bellevue apart from other Richmond neighborhoods?
Bellevue stands alone within the City.It is a diverse community that values its neighborhood dynamic, with wide streets, sidewalks, and overhanging mature trees.Based on the yard signs, we have a variety of political opinions, but everyone is cordial and welcoming.Bellevue has wonderful restaurants and local businesses, but it’s not overly commercial.Our homes are historical and unique, but in various stages of repair and upkeep.Bellevue is located within the City limits, but crime is relatively low.It’s the best of both suburban and urban neighborhoods in one place.(But it’s our secret . . . don’t spread the word too far!)
Alex Ray
1. What’s your name?
Alex Ray
2. How long have you lived in Bellevue?
I lived there from 2005 to 2009.
3. What is your favorite thing in or about Bellevue?
We had a great group of friends that all lived within walking distance of each other. We were all kind of starting our adult lives together – there was a great energy surrounding the neighborhood. Being able to walk everywhere you wanted to go was great.
4. What changes would you make to Bellevue, if any?
The apartment complex on Macarthur seemed out of place. The rest of the neighborhood was so family oriented.
5. What do you think about the public transportation in Bellevue, and do you think Bellevue would benefit from a bike sharing program or something along those lines?
I don’t – the neighborhood is so small you can walk everywhere you need to go. If you want to go to Scott’s addition or somewhere like that – I would think that a bus or Uber would be much safer than biking on Boulevard.
6. Richmond is in the process of developing a master plan, and this master plan lays out the goals for Richmond and its neighborhoods over the next 20 years… SO, with that being said how would you like Bellevue to be represented in this master plan?
I would like it to be seen as an isolated residential area. No Grocery Stores or major commercial installs that would bring people to it from other areas. I think that MacArthur is about right the way it is – a couple of restaurants, a couple of small stores – nothing more is needed. Keep it residential.
7. What are 3 most important values that you feel best represent the Bellevue community? …Example: “The Bellevue neighborhood prides itself on a strong sense of community, safety, and cleanliness."
Laid Back. Sense of community. Safe.
8. What sets Bellevue apart from other Richmond neighborhoods?
Bellevue is made up of great families that value spending time together more than climbing the professional ladder.Kind of a hippy, west coast vibe.It’s great.
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